A newly revealed 1997 letter from the Vatican warned Ireland's Catholic bishops not to report all suspected child-abuse cases to police — a disclosure with the potential to fuel more lawsuits worldwide against the Vatican, which has long denied any involvement in coverups.

The letter, obtained by Irish broadcasters RTE and provided to The Associated Press, documents the Vatican's rejection of an Irish church initiative to begin helping police identify pedophile priests.

The letter's message undermines persistent Vatican claims that the church never instructed bishops to withhold evidence or suspicion of crimes from police. Instead, the letter emphasizes the church's right to handle all child-abuse allegations and determine punishments in house rather than hand that power to civil authorities.

Catholic officials in Ireland declined requests for comment on the letter, which RTE

LostSomewhereInSpace

Posted Jan-19-2011 By

notatheist

What amazing two-facedness the Church is exhibiting. To say that you'll co-operate with authorities out of one corner of your mouth, then collude to hide crimes with the other.

Why do we let this organization dictate morality when they themselves are immoral? These are the assholes who told Africa to stop using condoms during an AIDS epidemic, because it's better to die of horrible diseases than displease the holy authority! These are the assholes who gave Hitler blessings!

Posted Jan-19-2011 By

hellgremlin

Tell me something new! Irish boy sitting and crying outside his home. Along comes Seamus 'What's up Mick' 'My dai's just died' 'Oh sorry to hear that Mick, would you like me to get the priest?' 'No thanks' says Mick 'I don't want to be shagged at this time'